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    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Published: Oct 16, 2022 · Modified: Dec 22, 2022 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Apple cider bourbon cocktail with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

    This cozy and comforting hot Apple Cider Bourbon cocktail is the perfect blend of classic flavors for your fall get-togethers. A smooth caramel notes from the bourbon combines with tart apples to create a complex and delicious flavor combination that pairs perfectly with evenings by the fire.

    Make sure you prepare enough for everyone to enjoy this unique and tasty cold weather drink!

    Apple cider bourbon cocktail with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

    Note: This recipe is intended for readers 21 and up; please enjoy responsibly.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    This hot Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is the perfect easy-to-make beverage to get the festivities started. Combining three of fall’s best flavors - apple cider, cinnamon, and bourbon - this hot cocktail will have guests raving about its beautiful presentation, bold flavor, and smooth richness.

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make a Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    With just a few simple ingredients, you don’t need to be a master mixologist to create this hot, hand warming cocktail. Get ready for compliments on what's sure to be an unforgettable end to your evening!

    apples, oranges, and bourbon.
    • Apple Cider or Apple Juice - regular bottled in the grocery aisle is fine.
    • Cinnamon Sticks - about 3" - 4" lengths. You will need one for each mug, plus 3 for the simmering pot.
    • Cloves - use whole cloves
    • Orange - any orange will work, even tangerines or Mandarins.
    • Apples - aim for green, red, and mixed colored apples for a variety of color. One of each is perfect.
    • Bourbon - try to get a good barrel aged bourbon, as it is smoother. Get whatever brand you prefer.
    • Honey - Optional, if you like your beverage sweet, you can add a little honey also.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    How to Make a Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

    Perfect for any gathering - whether it be an intimate dinner with friends or a more extravagant party - this hot Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail is sure to delight! Apples, bourbon, and cinnamon make this fall bourbon cocktail tart yet sweet.

    Step 1. Slice Apples and Oranges

    Cut the orange into slices. Core and slice the apples. Break any long cinnamon sticks into 3" pieces.

    fresh cut apples and oranges.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 2. Simmer Cider and Fruit

    Place the apple cider or juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and cut apples into a medium size pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

    apples and oranges with spices in a simmer pot.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Step 3. Add Bourbon and Serve

    Remove the pot from heat. Using a slotted spoon, lift out the pieces of cooked fruit and spices. Stir in the bourbon, and serve this bourbon cider cocktail in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and thin apple wedge slices. Serve immediately.

    You can also make bourbon cider cocktail in a Crockpot. Add the cider, spices, and fruit and set on the high setting for 2 hours. Lift the cooked fruit and spice out with a slotted spoon. Add the bourbon and stir. Serve immediately, garnishing with cinnamon stick and extra apple slices.

    pitcher of apple cider cocktail in a glass with apple slices and a pitcher in the background.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve this warming cocktail for an outdoor marshmallow roast, an evening by the fire, or even to adult Christmas carolers. A hot mug of bourbon Apple Cider will warm them up from the inside out.

    For some additional spirited cocktails to offer your guests, see our Grasshopper Martini, Cranberry Mimosa, and Winter Wassail drinks.

    Apple cider bourbon cocktail with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

    Substitutions

    If you are feeling REALLY adventurous, you can substitute non alcoholic apple cider for hard apple cider. You can also make this a non alcoholic mocktail simply by omitting the bourbon. You can add a ½ teaspoon of Rum flavoring if you want a little more depth of flavor in your apple cider mocktail.

    Variations

    Some great ideas on flavor variations:

    • Cranberries - add some fresh cranberries to the simmering pot of apple cider, and garnish the mugs with cranberries also.
    • Pears - Sliced pears pair well with the apples if you prefer them to oranges.
    • Star Anise or Allspice Berries - Use either or both of these lovely whole spices in the simmer pot or as garnish.

    Equipment

    Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. You can make a family size batch of this bourbon cider cocktail, or you can use a crockpot to make large party size batch.

    • 3 quart Saucepan
    • 6 quart Crockpot

    Storage

    Remove any remaining fruit and spices from any leftover bourbon and apple cider mixture. Pour into a pitcher glass jar and seal. Keep in the refrigerator, and pour into mugs. Microwave for 1 minute to reheat.

    Tips for Success

    • Using a crockpot allows your Apple Cider bourbon cocktail to stay hot for an extended duration during a party.
    • Do not leave the cinnamon and cloves in the simmering pot for more than 30 minutes, as they will slowly turn the apple cider a little bitter over time.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I freeze any leftover bourbon apple cocktail?

    Yes, a great idea is to pour some leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze. Store the frozen bourbon apple cocktail mixture in a freezer bag. Pull out and pop into a glass of sparkling wine or water for a great summer cooler.

    Food Safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

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    📖 Recipe

    cider cocktail in a glass with apple slices.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 1 vote

    Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

    This cozy and comforting hot Apple Cider Bourbon cocktail is the perfect blend of classic flavors for your fall get-togethers. A smooth caramel notes from the bourbon combines with tart apples to create a complex and delicious flavor combination that pairs perfectly with evenings by the fire.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Beverages, Christmas, Thanksgiving
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 231kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    Equipment

    • Crock Pot 6 qt Slow cooker
    • 3 qt Saucepan

    Ingredients

    • 64 oz Apple Cider or Apple Juice
    • 6 Cinnamon sticks about 3" long
    • 12 Cloves whole
    • 4 Apples varied colors, cored and sliced - skins on
    • 2 Oranges Sliced into thin circles, peels left on
    • 2 cups Bourbon
    • 8 Cinnamon stick extra - one per mug
    • 2 Apples extra to garnish each mug
    • Honey optional, use to taste if you want a sweeter cocktail
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Cut the orange into slices. Core and slice the apples. Break any long cinnamon sticks into 3" pieces.
      4 Apples, 2 Oranges
    • Place the apple cider or juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, and cut apples into a medium size pot over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
      64 oz Apple Cider, 12 Cloves, 6 Cinnamon sticks
    • Remove the pot from heat. Using a slotted spoon, lift out the pieces of cooked fruit and spices. Stir in the bourbon, and serve this bourbon cider cocktail in mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and thin apple wedge slices. Add honey to taste if desired. Serve immediately.
      2 cups Bourbon, 8 Cinnamon stick, 2 Apples, Honey

    Notes

    • Using a crockpot allows your Apple Cider bourbon cocktail to stay hot for an extended duration during a party.
    • Do not leave the cinnamon and cloves in the simmering pot for more than 30 minutes, as they will slowly turn the apple cider a little bitter over time.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 133IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg
    Keyword : apple bourbon cocktail, apple cider bourbon cocktail, bourbon apple cocktail, bourbon cider cocktail, fall bourbon cocktail

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